Cruising Asia's Untapped Paradise

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Welcome to Yacht Charter Market, the weekly newsletter dedicated to the world of yacht charter.

In today’s newsletter:

• Top story: Andrea Pefianco explores Asia’s untapped paradise

• Top charter updates: Breakthrough available for charter | A Caribbean winter onboard Skyfall | Explore the Bahamas onboard HBC | 10% off when chartering Blue Eyes | Island hop onboard Mosaique | Stay onboard wooden schooner Sequoia

• YachtEye: The evolution of onboard communication

• Charter Spotlight: IYC becomes new central agent for Seven Sins

TOP STORY

Cruising Asia’s Untapped Paradise

SuperYacht Times writer Andrea Pefianco sat down with Didier Novo of LXV Philippines to explore the secluded islands, caves and crystalline lagoons that make the stunning archipelagic province of Palawan one of Asia’s premier luxury cruising destinations.

Out of more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, the province of Palawan boasts over 1,700 islands and inlets, making it the perfect setting for the ultimate luxury island-hopping experience. Located in the southwest of the archipelagic nation, Palawan is known as the Philippines’ “last ecological frontier.”

It is home to mesmerising crystal-clear lagoons framed by towering limestone cliffs, world-class diving with whale sharks and manta rays at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs and rich terrestrial biodiversity, which houses the Palawan hornbill and other endemic species.

Much of this richness exists because Palawan is biogeographically linked to Borneo, forming part of the Sundaland region. This ancient connection has endowed the province with a tapestry of flora and fauna more closely related to Southeast Asia than to the rest of the Philippines, making it a truly unforgettable destination.

It’s no wonder Palawan attracted over 1.5 million visitors in 2023. Yet, for those seeking the same breathtaking island scenery away from the crowds, luxury cruising offers a more private and immersive way to experience its natural beauty, far from the usual tourist trails.

What sets Palawan apart from neighbouring Southeast Asian cruising destinations is its remoteness. “It gives the opportunity to really be alone in the wild,” explained luxury concierge agency LXV Philippines CEO Didier Novo, who personally curates the tours for guests. “Here you will spend the full day without seeing one other boat. You feel like you're the one discovering this place, like you're stepping on an island where people have never seen any tourists.”

Despite Palawan’s breathtaking natural beauty, its yachting infrastructure is still in the early stages of development. Unlike well established cruising destinations, Palawan offers only a limited number of marinas, formal moorings and provisioning points, making logistics a challenge. Therefore, basic supplies including fresh food can sometimes be scarce and more expensive.

Aeroplane access is available through the airports of Puerto Princess, Coron and El Nido. While transfers, particularly from the capital city of Puerto Princesa can be time consuming, the rewards are exceptional for those who are willing to venture off the beaten path.

Regardless of the remote setting and the hassle of airport transfers, guests can enjoy a beautifully appointed yacht, complete with a well-trained Filipino crew known for their warm hospitality. A range of tailored activities makes the experience feel as comfortable and effortless as being at home.

“Palawan allows me to have a huge diversity of activities and to see different underwater or overwater day tours,” added Didier, noting that the region gives his agency the flexibility to design itineraries where no two days are the same, entirely shaped around the preferences of each guest.

Although the region is off the beaten track for many yachts, there are familiar faces among the fleet here, such as the aptly named 42.5-metre futuristic trimaran Adastra. Named after the Latin phrase meaning “to the stars,” the yacht was built by McConaghy Boats at their Zhuhai facility in China and is one of the world’s most distinctive multihull vessels, designed by John Shuttleworth of Shuttleworth Design. A familiar sight among the islands of the Philippines, Adastra has been cruising the region for a number of years, as has the elegant 45.5-metre tri-deck yacht Princess Iolanthe, built by Mondo Marine. She boasts abundant inviting spaces perfect for family and friends to gather, including expansive outdoor decks and a Jacuzzi.

While Palawan boasts countless breathtaking destinations, this six-day cruise focuses on a curated route from Busuanga southward to El Nido. The journey begins with a welcome stop at Apo Reef, technically outside Palawan’s boundaries, but a natural waypoint for vessels en route to the islands. As the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Apo Reef teems with marine life, hosting over 500 species of fish and 400 species of coral. Guests can dive alongside sharks and turtles or snorkel through its vibrant shallow coral gardens.

The journey continues to West Busuanga, where a storied past and untouched seascapes meet. Beneath the glassy surface of Lusong Coral Garden lies one of the twelve sunken World War II ships, some of the most accessible wreck dives in the world. Once a vessel of the Imperial Japanese Navy, now it serves as coral-draped monuments explored by divers of all levels. But not all beauty lies in depth. On the northern fringes of Caluit and Dimipac Islands, dugongs drift lazily through the seagrass shallows. To swim beside these elusive “sea cows” is an almost sacred initiation into Palawan’s beauty.

A detour to Malajon Island, more widely known as Black Island, offers a striking change of scenery. Named for its dramatic black and grey limestone cliffs that rise sharply from the sea, the island is part of the ancestral domain of the Tagbanwa Tribe, one of Palawan’s indigenous groups. In this mystical corner, a massive cave that hides a crystal-clear natural pool, supplied by a gentle waterfall can be explored. As the day fades on Debotunay Island, there is a chance to gather barefoot by the bonfire, with the sea whispering back the memories of the day in every wave.

The third day begins with a ten-minute hike from a nearby lagoon to the famed Kayangan Lake on Coron Island. Fed by saltwater and nestled among towering limestone cliffs, it is one of the “big three” natural wonders of the area, along with the Twin Lagoons and Barracuda Lake. The cerulean waters invite a refreshing swim.

Just to the south lies the iconic Twin Lagoons, a site often bustling with tourists. Cruises are coordinated  during the midday lull, when most groups retreat for lunch offer a quiet window where the crew lowers kayaks into the water, allowing guests to glide through the twin bodies of water separated by a narrow limestone wall.

The first day concludes at Barracuda Lake, locally known as Luluyuan. Named after skeletal remains found in its depths, the lake’s real marvel lies beneath the surface. A rare thermocline, where layers of fresh and salt water meet, causes an unusual rise in temperature as divers descend. Whether you're a novice snorkeller or a seasoned diver, drifting past jagged limestone formations in this underworld feels like crossing into another dimension. 

Quieter shores are dedicated to day three. The cruise heads to a relaxed island-hopping adventure in Culion, far from the busier, commercial beaches. The morning begins at Malcapuya Island, where guests can enjoy an early swim and soak up the sun beneath swaying palms, on a long, powdery stretch of white sand.

Then, the voyage moves forward to Ditaytayan Sandbar, a shape-shifting natural wonder that transforms with the tide. At low tide, the sand unfurls even farther into the sea, creating a walking path across the shallows. For those seeking a more secluded escape, the final destination is the untouched island of Calumbagan. Though the waters en route may be slightly rougher, the reward is a pristine, crowd-free paradise.

On day five, the focus shifts to pure exclusivity, as the voyage enters some of the private islands of Linapacan, accessible only through LXV’s tours. Stops include the pristine shores of Dimanglet and Lacalaca Islands, along with a visit to a protected turtle sanctuary on Ariara Island. With a bit of luck, guests might witness baby turtles hatching and making their first journey into the sea. After a day of exploration and wonder, the group gathers for a supper inspired by local flavors, with freshly caught seafood as the evening’s highlight.

Though the cruises are unmistakably luxurious, Didier insists on staying grounded in the local culture. “I’m still selling the tradition, the people. I want to take guests to the fishermen – I want them to see the fishermen, to watch them negotiate,” he said. The crew already knows to veer off course at the wave of a fisherman’s hand, an invitation to come closer and see what’s been pulled from the sea that morning.

In some instances, the tour includes a visit to a nearby fishing village of Calibang Island, where guests can catch a glimpse of everyday life and even visit the local school to interact with the children. They may find themselves in the midst of an unscripted, authentic moment: ten dogs rushing to the shore, a fishing family waving them in with warm curiosity, fresh catch in hand. Guests often buy fish directly from the family, and as Didier described, “They want this simple [experience], they’ll buy the barracuda and ten minutes later, it’s on the grill.” Meal is served on board, fresh from the fire, the salt still clinging to the skin of the fish.

As the journey comes to a close, a final detour leads through the quiet beauty of the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido. At low tide, Snake Island reveals its signature S-shaped sandbar, which is ideal for a peaceful morning walk that feels like a stroll across the sea. A short hike to the hilltop offers a clear view of the winding shoreline below. On Pinagbuyutan Island, guests can take a break under the coconut trees, relax in a hammock or enjoy the view of the island’s striking towering limestone cliffs. As the day winds down, there's the chance for a refreshing dip in the shallow waters of Hidden Beach, a secluded cove tucked behind towering rock formations.

Surrounded by nature and bathed in the soft light of sunset, it’s a quiet, beautiful way to close a journey through some of the region’s most remarkable places.

In Palawan, the reward lies not only in the scenery, but in the stillness between destinations and the warmth of each encounter. These islands offer a rare kind of luxury, not only measured by extravagance, but by a sense of wonder and the feeling of being both completely removed and deeply connected. Long after the last island fades from view, that fleeting feeling remains.

This article was first published in issue 54 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download here.

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